Occupations: Radiation Therapists

Occupations: Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists

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Overview of the profession:

Radiation therapists play a crucial role in the treatment of patients with cancer or other serious diseases by administering therapeutic doses of radiation. Radiation therapists help develop and execute personalized treatment plans, monitor patients during treatments, and provide emotional support to patients during this vulnerable and frightening experience. To practice in Michigan, Radiation Therapists must hold an Active Status, which is earned by completing an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy program approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and passing a credentialing examination through either the ARRT or the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. Radiation Therapists typically work in hospitals. However, they also work in physician offices or outpatient care centers. Radiation Therapists support the effectiveness of cancer treatments and help patients navigate the challenges associated with their care, making them integral members of the oncology treatment team.

Overview

Ionizing Radiation Rules Governing The Use Of Radiation Machines

These rules establish that Individuals must possess credentials from an approved accrediting body to qualify for active status in medical radiologic technology. To perform limited diagnostic radiography individuals now need to pass an approved program or obtain a minimum of 40 hours of training (for which parameters are provided in the rules), as well as continuing education.

Policy

Policy Highlights

Includes recent proposed legislation

Data

Current Radiation Therapist Workforce Data

We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.

2024 Hourly Wages

10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
$36.07	$38.65	$41.83	$46.49	$48.25

Highlighted Workforce Initiatives

Name: Learn & Earn Program

Prosperity Region: 6
Description: Earn & Learn is a partnership between Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities, a program of the Greater Flint Health Coalition, UM-Flint, and Mott Community College. This program connects these students with jobs in healthcare that work around their school schedules. Students can earn an income and gain work experience while completing their degrees. Earn & Learn also provides professional development services, such as resume revision and interview preparation, to interested participants.

Name: Healthcare Apprenticeship Program

Prosperity Region: 7
Description: McLaren Greater Lansing holds a week-long Health Care Apprenticeship Program for high school students ages 15 to 18 who are interested in learning more about the different career fields available in health care. During the week, students learn from and shadow healthcare specialists and gain hands-on experience. Different healthcare areas include nursing, surgery, obstetrics, pharmacy, oncology, wound care, physical/occupational therapy, sterile processing, respiratory, laboratory, radiology, and more. Additionally, students receive 32 volunteer hours during the program.

Name: Global Outreach Program

Prosperity Region: Statewide/National
Description: RAD-AID and the ASRT Foundation are pleased to collaborate on a program designed to give radiologic technologists the opportunity to contribute to the healthcare needs of the low-resource regions. Recipients of this award will join RAD-AID’s project teams in international initiatives designed to improve access to quality medical imaging and radiation therapy for populations in need.

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Initiatives

Career Pathway

Active Status vs. Licensure, what’s required to work as a Radiation Therapist in Michigan?

Radiation Therapists are not a licensed occupation in Michigan; however, in March 2024, new administrative rules took effect that outlines the standards needed for individuals to hold active status and to practice radiation therapy in Michigan. To hold active status, Radiation Therapists need to have graduated with an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy from a program approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Then individuals must pass a credentialing examination through either the ARRT or the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists